The Buick LPGA Shanghai will return to Sheshan Golf Club for its 2026 edition, taking place from October 15–18. The tournament has been significantly upgraded, with the total purse increased to a record US$3.2 million, establishing a new benchmark for women’s professional golf in Asia.
The announcement was made at a press conference held in Songjiang, Shanghai. The relocation to Sheshan Golf Club and the substantial prize money increase mark a major step forward for the event’s development.
Event Organizational Structure
Presented by Buick and SAIC General Motors, the event is jointly sanctioned by the LPGA and the China Ladies Professional Golf Association (CLPGA). A strong international field featuring dozens of LPGA and major championship winners, rising stars, and Olympians is expected to compete for the Buick Goddess trophy.
The tournament is organized by the China Golf Association, the Shanghai Administration of Sports, and the People’s Government of Songjiang District. It is operationally hosted by the Songjiang District Administration of Sports, Shanghai Songjiang New City Investment & Construction Group Co., Ltd., and IMG Sports Development (Shanghai) Limited, with co-organization by Shanghai Sheshan International Golf Club Co., Ltd.
Supporting Golf Development in Shanghai and China
Mr. Wei Qingfeng, Secretary-General of the China Golf Association, commented: “For years, the Buick LPGA Shanghai has adhered to an international vision and high organizational standards, providing a stable and professional platform for Sino-foreign golf exchange. As a global flagship for women’s professional golf, it not only affords Chinese players invaluable opportunities to gain experience and refine their skills at home, but also contributes to professional system building, stimulates surrounding cultural and tourism consumption, and releases regional economic benefits. From the new starting point of the 15th Five-Year Plan and with a view to the national objective of building a strong sporting nation, the China Golf Association will continue to support the high-quality staging of the event and work with partners to advance golf in China to new heights.”
The event has earned consecutive “Shanghai Event” brand certifications and was upgraded to “Hallmark Event” status in 2025, highlighting its contribution to Shanghai’s international image and sports portfolio.
Ms. Ye Wendi, Deputy District Mayor of Shanghai Songjiang District People’s Government, commented: “With longstanding accumulation, Songjiang has been deeply engaged in golf for many years, possessing mature course resources, comprehensive supporting systems and rich experience in staging international tournaments. The arrival of the Buick LPGA Shanghai in Songjiang is an important achievement in our district’s integrated development of culture, commerce, tourism, sports, exhibitions and agriculture; it is also recognition of Songjiang’s urban quality, service capacity and industrial assets.”
Lin Kaiwen, President of the Shanghai Golf Association, remarked: “The continued hosting and upgrading of the Buick LPGA Shanghai not only enhances Shanghai’s golf event system but also enriches the city’s golf development landscape, contributing fresh momentum to urban sports consumption and the high-quality development of local golf.”
A New Chapter at Sheshan Golf Club
Mr. Chris Madsen, Managing Director, LPGA Asia-Pacific Region, said: “China is a key market in the LPGA’s global strategy, and the outstanding performances of Chinese players on the LPGA stage continue to inspire a new generation to take up golf. We are honored to partner with Buick to stage such a benchmark international women’s event in China, consistently delivering world-class competition while deepening the development of golf culture in China and injecting vitality into women’s golf worldwide.”
Mr. T.K. Pen, Honorary Vice President of the China Golf Association and Chairman of the China LPGA Tour, stated: “Women’s sports around the world are currently experiencing rapid growth, and women’s golf in particular holds tremendous potential for development. The Buick LPGA Shanghai gives Chinese players the opportunity to compete alongside the world’s top golfers, while also allowing more international players, media, and fans to witness the growth and potential of golf in China."
Ms. Crystal Zhang, Vice President of Sheshan Golf Club, said: “From Sheshan’s inception we aspired to create a world-class tournament venue. After hosting fourteen international premier events, we have accumulated mature operational experience. We now assume an enhanced role-not only as host course but also as a member of the tournament committee."
Outlook
The 2026 Buick LPGA Shanghai, as a key season-opening event of the LPGA Asia Fall Swing, is set to deliver a world-class competition at the prestigious Sheshan Golf Club. With its record purse and strong support from all stakeholders, the tournament is positioned to further elevate women’s golf across Asia.
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